Advance Aerospace Innovation: Research Materials Engineer at NASA

Are you ready to contribute to missions that expand the boundaries of human knowledge? NASA is seeking a highly skilled Research Materials Engineer to join the team at the Langley Research Center. This is a unique opportunity to work on the cutting edge of metallic materials research, providing the foundational science required to launch humanity further into the stars.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be stationed within the Durability, Damage Tolerance, and Reliability Branch. Your core responsibilities will include:

Computational Modeling: Developing sophisticated models of metallic materials to predict their performance in extreme aerospace environments.
Experimental Validation: Designing and executing experiments to calibrate these models, ensuring theoretical predictions match physical reality.
Process-Intensive Research: Studying advanced metallic manufacturing methods, such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion, to understand their impact on material integrity.
Multi-disciplinary Collaboration: Partnering with structures and systems teams to translate material insights into engineering design solutions.

Requirements

Candidates must meet stringent educational and professional standards:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Engineering (ABET accredited), Physical Science, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level, specifically focused on computational materials modeling and damage tolerance.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.

Requirement Type	Detail
Grade Level	GS-13
Experience Needed	1+ Year at GS-12 Level
Education	Bachelor's or Higher in STEM field
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen Required

Salary Overview

The annual salary for this position ranges from $117,284 to $152,471, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

NASA offers a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and work-life balance, including competitive retirement plans and federal health insurance options.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The system will reject resumes over two pages long.
Use the Resume Builder: This ensures all relevant federal hiring criteria are met.
Narrative Matters: Avoid using technical jargon copied from the job description. Explain your role in previous research projects.
Assessment Timing: Be prepared to complete the USA Hire assessment within the window provided after submission.

If you have the technical rigor and passion for aerospace discovery, this role at NASA offers an unparalleled opportunity to advance your career while contributing to the nation's most ambitious goals in aeronautics and space exploration.

Why This Research Materials Engineer, Ast, Aerospace Materials Job Matters

Launch your engineering career into the stratosphere at NASA’s Langley Research Center—where your research on metallic materials directly shapes the future of aeronautics and space exploration.

Research Materials Engineer, Ast, Aerospace Materials Job Overview

Join NASA’s Durability, Damage Tolerance, and Reliability Branch as a Research Materials Engineer. In this vital role, you will be at the forefront of computational materials science, focusing on Process-Intensive Metallic Materials. You will lead cutting-edge studies, develop predictive models for material behavior, and bridge the gap between experimental data and high-fidelity simulations. This position is ideal for an innovative engineer passionate about advancing material performance, safety, and reliability for the next generation of aerospace systems.

Requirements for Research Materials Engineer, Ast, Aerospace Materials

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Possess a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physical Science, Mathematics, or Computer Science (with specific credit requirements) or a relevant graduate degree.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level (or equivalent).
Expertise in computational modeling of process-structure-property/performance relationships for metallic materials.
Experience in predicting damage tolerance and service life for aerospace metallic materials.
Proficiency in processing and interpreting nondestructive evaluation data.

Preferred Qualifications for Research Materials Engineer, Ast, Aerospace Materials

Advanced technical expertise in Metallurgy and Aerospace Materials Engineering.
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary research teams.
Strong communication skills for reporting research findings to senior stakeholders.
Experience in the application of Laser Powder Bed Fusion or similar additive manufacturing processes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous retirement savings plan (FERS) with matching contributions.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
✓Competitive leave and federal holiday schedule.
✓Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

💡 How to Apply Research Materials Engineer, Ast, Aerospace Materials Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Research Materials Engineer, Ast, Aerospace Materials Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific instructions and prepare a resume (strictly two pages or fewer).
Click the 'Apply' button within the USAJOBS portal.
Attach all required documentation, including academic transcripts.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Monitor your email for a unique link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Complete the required assessments within the designated timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you capture all necessary qualification details.
Ensure every job entry on your resume includes start and end dates (Month/Year).
Avoid generic, copied text; provide a narrative description of your personal contributions and technical achievements.
Verify your transcript clearly indicates your degree and relevant coursework before uploading.
Check your application status frequently via the USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required for this position?

No, this position is designated as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. Any resume exceeding two pages will be automatically rejected by the system.

Am I eligible to telework?

Yes, this position is telework-eligible, subject to agency policy.

What if I don't have an engineering degree?

*A: You may still qualify if you hold a degree in Physical Science, Mathematics, or Computer Science, provided you meet the specific coursework hours outlined in the announcement.*

Is there relocation assistance?

*A: This position does not offer relocation assistance.*

Job from Langley Research Center

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is more than an organization; it is a vision. From the depths of our oceans to the far reaches of the cosmos, NASA professionals work to protect our planet, explore the unknown, and inspire the next generation. As a Research Materials Engineer, you become part of an agency that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation, working alongside world-class scientists and engineers.